Matthew Shevlin: Crystal Palace poised to make bid for Ballymena United striker

Matthew Shevlin impressed during his recent trial with Crystal Palace.

The 16-year-old striker impressed during a recent trial at the south London club, who are now prepared to bid for the player.

“The indications I have, both from the representative of Crystal Palace that I spoke to and the player’s agent, are that the club are interested in signing the player,” Ballymena United chairman John Taggart told Times Sport.

“By all accounts Matthew did very well during his trial and from that, I’m told that Crystal Palace are expected to make an offer for him by the end of this week.

“I believe he played in training matches at a number of different age levels and scored quite a few goals, including a hat-trick in one game,” added John.

Shevlin is also scheduled to have a trial with League One side Sheffield United next week.

Before then, he is expected to be back in the Ballymena squad for Saturday’s Danske Bank Premiership game at Warrenpoint Town after being rested for the midweek County Antrim Shield win over Glebe Rangers.